A report that NHL revenue has increased to $3.7 billion can lead to one inference — a higher salary cap is on the horizon.

The cap, which was $64.3 million this season, is supposed to be the primary element that maintains competitive balance. But not all teams spend to the cap, and with the Globe and Mail projecting it to hit at least $70 million next season, there are questions as to how it will affect mid-market teams such as the Predators.

After all, Nashville has not been a "cap team" — one that spends to the highest levels of the salary cap — since its ownership change after the 2006-07 season. The Predators were at $62.56 million this season, according to nhlnumbers.com.

It's unlikely the Predators will spend to the top of the cap next season, but there are some factors that could push them into spending more. Here are three:

The need to win. After two straight seasons of missing the playoffs, the Predators need to be a player in the free agency and trade markets. They need to fortify their attendance and re-ignite the fan base.

Hiring Peter Laviolette, a coach with a reputation for revving up a team's offense, was a good first step. Getting the right type of personnel is the second.

For instance: Ottawa has been shopping center Jason Spezza, who could give Nashville a legitimate No. 1 guy down the middle.

Spezza is entering the final year of a seven-year, $49 million contract. His salary cap hit is $7 million, which would rank second on the Predators, but his real salary is $4 million, which would tie him for fourth on Nashville's payroll.

The Canadian television deal. The league's 12-year, $5.2 billion television contract with Canada's Rogers TV should no doubt help the Predators' finances. It's a good deal for the NHL and all its teams.

The NHL has revenue sharing — splitting 50 percent of hockey-related revenue between the players and teams — but it's unclear as to how much the Predators actually receive.

Also, there's the 10-year, $2 billion contract the NHL signed with NBC two years ago that continues to impact finances in a positive way and grow revenues.

Nashville and Bridgestone Arena. Predators chief executive officer Jeff Cogen and chief operating officer Sean Henry continue to push the viability of the city and the arena as a destination.

The Predators are the arena's primary operator. Whether concerts, special events or games, the goal is to fill the building, build on the franchise's brand and its economic impact for the city.

The Nashville Predators will probably take a dip into the forward free agent market and try to lure more scorers to the franchise. Tennessean Predators Insider Josh Cooper looks at five forwards who could merit Nashville's interest when the free agency period begins on July 5, 2014.

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Colorado Avalanche

Paul Stastny

Stastny would give the Predators the coveted No. 1 center they've never had besides Peter Forsberg's 17-game stint in 2007. While Stastny isn't considered an elite center, he's still an excellent producer. Stastny has had three seasons of over 70 points.

His 60 points last season would have led Nashville, as would have his 25 goals. The fact that he's just 28 makes him an attractive option. Also, he played very well with leading goal scorer Craig Smith in the 2013 World Championships.

The only issue is that Stastny made $6.6 million in his previous contract, and would likely be looking for somewhat of a raise. Regardless of Nashville's salary cap situation, that will be a lot to pay.

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Montreal Canadiens

Thomas Vanek

The former 43-goal scorer is at the end of a seven-year, $50 million contract. Odds are the 30-year-old Vanek will look for a contract that will push him into his retirement years, and could merit him a greater haul than his last deal.

That being said, Vanek is the one, true elite goal scorer on the market. He has scored over 40 goals twice in his career, and was a point-per-game player with the Islanders this season, before a trade deadline deal to Montreal. He started the season in Buffalo before being dealt to the Islanders. Signing someone like Vanek would probably make captain Shea Weber very happy.

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Minnesota Wild

Matt Moulson

The former Islander/Sabre/Wild forward would be a great fit for the Predators, and would likely come at a better price than Stastny or Vanek. His last contract was for three years at $9.4 million, and players don't often make such major jumps in salary.

From 2009-10 through 2011-12, Moulson notched over 30 goals with the Islanders. During the lockout shortened 2012-13 season, he had 44 points in 47 games. He could flourish in Peter Laviolette's attacking system, as a first line player, and has the right type of workman personality to fit in Nashville's locker room.

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Washington Capitals

Mikhail Grabovski

After an up-and-down time in Toronto, Grabovski proved his worth in Washington, finishing the year with 35 points in 58 games. He's a good type of player for the Predators personnel, and would give them a strong body down the middle.

The only issue on Grabovksi is how he and his representation view his worth. Grabovski made $3 million last year, which proved a haircut from his $5.5 million cap hit the previous season in Toronto. Will be want back into the $5 million range or be comfortable with less?

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St. Louis Blues

Derek Roy

It made little sense to us that the Predators didn't make a bigger push for the then 30-year-old Roy last offseason, and opted for the then 36-year-old Matt Cullen instead on a two-year contract. Roy signed with St. Louis for one year, and actually had similar numbers to Cullen. Roy had 37 points to Cullen's 39.

With Nashville looking to go with a more attacking system, the speedy, shifty Roy could be a nice fit. He's had years of 69, 70 and 81 points. His numbers, however, do seem to be in decline. And at 5-foot-9, he doesn't quite fit the mold of a big, strong center in today's NHL.

Josh Cooper, The Tennessean

Tennessean Predators Insider

Josh Cooper

Josh Cooper covers the Nashville Predators and the NHL for The Tennessean.